Compared to adults, children’s appetites are more precisely controlled by their bodies’ energy needs. Children may eat a lot when they are active, but they may not feel like eating when they are not exerting much energy. Additionally, compared to a child who is growing slowly, a child who is going through a phase of rapid growth is likely to eat much more. Moreover, some kids have a lower natural energy expenditure than others. As long as your child is active and growing normally, such changes in appetite are quite normal. A child who has no appetite, however, may be cause for concern if they appear generally ill or if they are not developing as quickly as they should be.
FOOD FADS
Most kids have a time of “faddiness” concerning food. A youngster may occasionally only reject one or two items, or they may only take some foods if they are prepared in a certain way. Additionally, it’s possible for kids to start completely rejecting a variety of meals that they had previously consumed without problem.
Is the risk of malnutrition present?
If a youngster consumes a restricted diet, there is little risk that they will lack important nutrients. An apparently poor diet can keep a youngster healthy for a surprisingly long time.
How to approach the issue
No matter how strange or repetitive your child’s food preferences may appear to you, the easiest method to deal with a child who has become picky about food is to ignore the issue. Conflict will only develop if you make your child consume foods they dislike. Continue to offer different foods, but don’t get upset or angry if they’re declined. Your child will eventually accept a more varied diet as a result of boredom and curiosity. Take him or her to the doctor only if your child seems ill or is not developing as expected.
